Musashi - Eiji Yoshikawa [489]
Despite the fact that he held his position through heredity, Kakubei was as loyal to Lord Tadatoshi as the other retainers, without being the sort who would strive to outdo others in demonstrating his fealty. For purposes of routine administration, men of his type were on the whole much more satisfactory than the firebrands who sought to perform spectacular feats.
“I’m back,” he called on entering the gate to his house. The hill was quite steep, and he was always a little winded when he reached this point. Since he had left his wife in the country and the house was populated mostly by men, with only a few woman servants, feminine touches tended to be lacking. Yet on evenings when he had no night duty, he invariably found the stone path from the red gate to the entrance inviting, for it had been freshly watered down in anticipation of his return. And no matter how late the hour, someone always came to the front door to greet him.
“Is Kojirō here?” he asked.
“He’s been in all day,” replied the servant. “He’s lying down in his room, enjoying the breeze.”
“Good. Get some sake ready and ask him to come in to see me.”
While preparations were being made, Kakubei took off his sweaty clothes and relaxed in the bath. Then, donning a light kimono, he entered his sitting room, where Kojirō sat waving a fan.
The sake was brought in. Kakubei poured, saying, “I called you because something encouraging happened today that I wanted to tell you about.” “Good news?”
“Since I mentioned your name to Lord Tadatoshi, he seems to have heard of you from other sources as well. Today he told me to bring you to see him sometime soon. As you know, it’s not easy to arrange these matters. There are dozens of retainers with someone they want to suggest.” His expectation that Kojirō would be immensely pleased showed clearly in his tone and manner.
Kojirō put his cup to his lips and drank. When he did speak, his expression was unchanged and he said only, “Let me pour you one now.”
Kakubei, far from being put out, admired the young man for being able to conceal his emotions. “This means I’ve been successful in carrying out what you requested of me. I think that calls for a celebration. Have another.”
Kojirō bowed his head slightly and mumbled, “I’m grateful for your kindness.”
“I was only doing my duty, of course,” Kakubei replied modestly. “When a man is as capable and talented as you, I owe it to my lord to see that you’re given consideration.”
“Please don’t overestimate me. And let me reemphasize one point. It’s not the stipend I’m interested in. I simply think the House of Hosokawa is a very good one for a samurai to serve. It’s had three outstanding men in a row.” The three men were Tadatoshi and his father and grandfather, Sansai and Yūsai.
“You needn’t think I’ve talked you up to the high heavens. I didn’t have to. The name Sasaki Kojirō is known throughout the capital.”
“How could I be famous when all I do is loaf around here all day long? I don’t see that I’m outstanding in any way. It’s just that there are so many fakes around.”
“I was told that I could bring you anytime. When would you like to go?” “Any time suits me too.”
“How about tomorrow?”
“That’s all right with me.” His face revealed no eagerness, no anxiety, only calm self-confidence.
Kakubei, even more impressed at his sangfroid, chose this time to say matter-of-factly, “You understand, of course, his lordship won’t be able